DETROIT – The peak wind gusts from Sunday’s severe storms in Michigan were stronger than some tornadoes in select areas.
All of Southeast Michigan was under a severe thunderstorm warning on Sunday evening, and while there weren’t any tornadoes, the strongest wind gusts were still dangerous.
- Jackson saw peak wind gusts of 96 mph.
- Grand Rapids saw peak wind gusts of 81 mph.
- The St. Joseph pier saw peak wind gusts of 80 mph.
- Detroit Metro Airport in Romulus saw peak wind gusts of 63 mph.
- Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti saw peak wind gusts of 63 mph.
- Lansing saw peak wind gusts of 62 mph.
Wind speeds for an EF-0 tornado are between 65-85 mph, so some of these totals were even stronger.
Straight-line winds don’t trigger tornado warnings, but they can be just as dangerous.
Ashlee Baracy experienced 75 mph straight-line winds in a wind tunnel and did a full explainer on why they’re so dangerous. You can watch her full story below.
